NASA’s Z-1 prototype spacesuit is completely versatile

By Gene Ryan Briones on 07/23/2012

NASA is developing a “do-it-all” spacesuit that can traverse the moon, the planet Mars, or an asteroid. It seems as if the astronauts are trying to hit three birds with one stone with this next generation spacesuit. It’s called the Z-1 prototype spacesuit, and yes, it’s designed for versatility. Whether it’s exploring alien surfaces or floating in space outside a space station, the Z-1 prototype can reportedly outlast the radiation in deep space. So, let’s take a closer look into the spacesuit.

First, it has a port that connects to a spacecraft for extravehicular activity and more air when used in low to zero atmosphere. Next are the materials used for the heavily engineered inner suit, which is built from a layer of urethane-coated nylon and polyester layer. And since the Z-1 prototype is built for versatility, it is outfitted with bearings on the hips, waist, upper legs, and ankles for mobility. “It’s like you’re trying to go on vacation, but you don’t know if you’re going to Antarctica, Miami, or Buckingham Palace,” Johnson Space Center spacesuit engineer, Amy Ross said. “We’re building a lot of tools for the toolbox. Right now we’re asked to be very flexible.”